Patea Parents Fill Their Baskets  Nga Kete Hauora

21 May 2012

Parents in Patea are filling their basket with knowledge and skills to keep their whanau healthy. Nga Kete Hauora is a series of workshops coordinated by Taranaki DHB for parents on a range of health topics.

Taranaki DHB Health Promoter Eloise Pollard said the workshops have come about because Patea parents identified a need for health information and support to keep their families healthy. Nutrition, budgeting and cooking came up frequently and it was decided this was a good area to start.

This year four workshops have been held by Tui Ora Balance Me programme coordinator Jean Hikaka. The first two workshops focused on food, nutrition and healthy eating behaviours. Participants learnt how to read food labels, plan meals and change there families behaviours for the better. These sessions were followed by a practical budgeting advice workshop and a cooking session where everyone helped to made a healthy lunch to share.

The workshops have been well received and are having a positive impact on parents. One local Patea Mother said. It was just what I needed to know. I enjoyed every session, everything was explained so that we all understood.

Ms Pollard said the concept was growing: We are hoping that holding these workshops can be a regular thing and that this maybe the beginning of many more free opportunities for parents to get together and learn new information and skills, she said.

A session on being Prepared for an Emergency will be taken by the Taranaki Civil Defence on Wednesday 23 May at 10am  1pm in Patea. This first series of workshops will finish up next week with a relaxing weaving class where we can all have a chat about what next and get planning for the next series.

Similar Nga Kete Hauora workshops are been held in Opunake and Manaia and momentum is slowing building.